### Ulster’s Richie Murphy Optimistic with Reinforcements
Ulster’s head coach, Richie Murphy, has made strategic changes to his squad ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Benetton. With the Six Nations on a break, Murphy has welcomed back several Ireland internationals and introduced a promising new face to the team.

### Boyd’s Debut: A New Star in the Making
Jacob Boyd, a 20-year-old loose-head prop, is set to make his debut for Ulster. Boyd, who led RBAI to victory in the 2023 Schools’ Cup, has already shown his mettle with a late try that secured a thrilling win over Campbell College. Boyd’s inclusion comes as both Eric O'Sullivan and Andrew Warwick are sidelined due to injuries.

### Internationals Return to Bolster Ulster
Among the returning internationals are hooker Rob Herring and second row Cormac Izuchukwu, who have been released from Ireland camp. Prop Tom O'Toole is also back in action after serving a six-match ban following his red card against Munster. Herring and O'Toole will form the front row alongside Boyd, adding experience to the young debutant.

### Backline Reinforcements
Murphy has also called upon fit-again backline trio Jacob Stockdale, James Hume, and Stuart McCloskey. Stockdale and McCloskey return from injuries that kept them out since the end of 2023, while Hume makes his competitive comeback after a 10-month absence due to a knee injury. Aidan Morgan will take the fly-half position, with Jack Murphy omitted from the 23-man squad. Zac Ward also misses out despite starting the Zebre game.

### Strategic Changes Aim for a Stronger Ulster
The Ulster team shows 11 changes from their last competitive outing, a home defeat by Zebre on January 26. Nick Timoney, David McCann, Mike Lowry, and Stewart Moore are the only players retained from that match. Bryan O'Connor, another prop, is poised to win his first Ulster cap from the bench.

### Ulster’s Stakes in the URC
Currently ninth in the URC table, Ulster is just one point shy of the top eight. Their last encounter with Benetton in April was a nail-biter, with Ulster emerging victorious 38-34. Murphy’s side will be aiming to replicate that thrilling performance to climb higher in the league standings.

**Ulster Team:** Moore; Lowry, Hume, McCloskey, Stockdale; Morgan, Doak; Boyd, Herring, O'Toole; O'Connor (capt), Izuchukwu; Matty Rea, Timoney, McCann. **Replacements:** Andrew, O'Connor, Wilson, Treadwell, Crothers, Shanahan, Flannery, Postlethwaite.